Washington, July 4 (IANS) US President Donald Trump declared on Friday (local time) that the United States was entering a new “golden age”, pointing to what he described as record investment, a manufacturing revival and renewed global confidence in the American economy.

Speaking at Mount Rushmore on the eve of the country’s 250th Independence Day, Trump used his address to argue that the United States had reversed years of decline and was experiencing unprecedented economic momentum.

“Our country today is doing better than it’s ever done before. Never had anything like it,” Trump said. “With as of last week, $19.2 trillion pouring into the United States right now from all over the world.”

He contrasted the figure with previous years, saying, “The record was three. For years and for years the last administration did much less than one. And we did 19.2 in 12 months.”

Trump credited his administration’s trade policies and election victory for encouraging companies to expand production in the United States.

“And thanks to our great election win, November 5th, and the tariffs, plants and factories are being built all over the United States right now. And they’re being built at a number that we’ve never, ever seen before.”

He said new automobile manufacturing facilities were being built across the country after decades of stagnation.

“We have more plants under construction than we’ve had ever before. Automobile plants, something you didn’t see at all for 35 years,” Trump said.

The President also highlighted what he described as America’s long record of innovation and economic leadership.

“We are the nation that dreamed and created the modern world,” he said, listing achievements ranging from the light bulb, telephone and aeroplane to the internet, GPS, smartphones and advances in nuclear science and medicine.

Trump said the United States had also built “the biggest and most dynamic economy”, created “the strongest, the most powerful military” and remained a global leader in scientific research, entertainment and sport.

He argued that the country’s international standing had improved significantly.

“Two years ago they laughed at us. Now it’s only respect,” Trump said. “Everybody respects us. Like no nation. Remember this, we’re respected like no nation in the world is respected like us.”

Looking ahead, Trump said he believed the country’s strongest years were still to come.

“The best is yet to come,” he said.

Concluding his address, he linked the nation’s 250th anniversary with what he described as a new era of prosperity.

“Tomorrow we reach a milestone like no other,” Trump said. “This is not an ending. This is only the beginning of the golden age of America. And together we will make America bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.”

The speech formed part of nationwide events marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The White House has used the milestone to highlight American history, economic growth and national achievements through a series of commemorative events leading up to Independence Day.

Trump has made economic performance and the revival of US manufacturing central themes of his second term.

–IANS

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